NorthEast United FC Dominates Diamond Harbour 6-1 to Clinch Back-to-Back Durand Cup Titles

Kolkata witnessed a historic night of Indian football as NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) delivered a commanding performance to defeat debutants Diamond Harbour FC (DHFC) 6-1 in the 134th Durand Cup final. This emphatic victory at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday secured the Highlanders their second consecutive Durand Cup trophy, marking them as the first team since East Bengal FC in 1991 to successfully defend the prestigious title.

A Masterclass in Attacking Football

Under the astute leadership of coach Juan Pedro Benali, NorthEast United FC showcased a relentless attacking display that overwhelmed their opponents from the outset. The Highlanders took control early in the Durand Cup final, with Asheer Akhtar opening the scoring in the 30th minute. Just before halftime, Parthib Gogoi doubled the advantage in the 45+1 minute, sending NEUFC into the break with a comfortable lead.

The second half saw no let-up in NorthEast United's intensity. Thoi Singh extended the lead to 3-0 in the 50th minute with a simple tap-in, further cementing their dominance. While Diamond Harbour FC managed to pull one back in the 68th minute through Luka Majcen, it proved to be a mere consolation in a flood of goals.

Late Surge Seals Historic Win

The final minutes of the match saw NorthEast United FC explode with a late scoring spree. Spanish duo Jairo Samperio (82nd minute) and Andre Rodriguez (86th minute) added quick-fire goals, pushing the scoreline to a remarkable 5-1. The icing on the cake came in stoppage time when the tournament's standout player, Alaaeddine Ajaraie, coolly converted a penalty in the 90+3 minute, sealing the historic 6-1 triumph.

Individual Brilliance Shines

The victory was not just a team effort but also highlighted exceptional individual performances. Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie was the undisputed star of the tournament and the final. His stellar contributions, including three assists in the final and a total of eight goals throughout the competition, earned him both the Golden Ball for the best player and the Golden Boot as the top scorer. NEUFC's goalkeeper, Gurmeet Singh, also received the Golden Glove award for his consistent performance and crucial saves, marking his second consecutive year winning the accolade.

Significance for Indian Football

NorthEast United FC's Durand Cup title defense is a significant achievement in Indian football. It underscores the club's growing stature and their commitment to the sport, especially in a landscape where some Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have faced challenges like salary suspensions. This victory not only brings glory to the Highlanders but also injects excitement and high-quality competition into the Indian football scene. The triumph at Asia's oldest football tournament is a testament to the team's resilience, strategic planning, and the vibrant talent emerging in Indian football.

Key Takeaways:

• NorthEast United FC defeated Diamond Harbour FC 6-1 in the Durand Cup 2025 final.
• This marks NEUFC's second consecutive Durand Cup title, a historic achievement.
• Alaaeddine Ajaraie won both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards.
• Gurmeet Singh secured the Golden Glove award for the second year running.
• The victory highlights the growing competitive spirit in Indian football.

Sources

• NDTV Sports: Latest Sports News, Live Scores, Results Today's Sports Headlines Updates (August 24, 2025)
• NorthEast United retain Durand, thrash debutants Diamond Harbour 6-1 in final (2025-08-23)
• Durand Cup 2025: NEUFC crowned champions after easing past DHFC (2025-08-23)
• Durand Cup 2025: Full list of award winners - Indian Super League (2025-08-23)
• Durand Cup: NorthEast United thrash Diamond Harbour 6-1 to retain title in style | Football News - Times of India (2025-08-23)